River Prairie
Nestled along the Eau Claire River and just minutes from downtown Eau Claire, River Prairie Park in Altoona, WI is a space known for its lively outdoor events, art, delicious food, and family-friendly attractions. Visitors can expect live music, tons of play space to entertain the kids, a splash pad and a stream to cool off in, trails for walking and biking and access to water for kayaking. Not to mention, there’s plenty of open, grassy space where you can kick back, hammock, and read in the sunshine or set up a pick-up game of Kubb.
River Prairie boasts a busy calendar year-round and there's never a shortage of things to do. During the summer, visitors can find live music and movies under the stars here on weeknights while fall ushers in excitement for their annual Ginormous Pumpkin Festival where growers compete for the title of heaviest pumpkin. Browse the event calendar or sign up for our weekly e-newsletter to stay up to date with all the River Prairie happenings!
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Frequently Asked Questions About River Prairie
What is River Prairie?
- River Prairie is a mixed-use development in Altoona, Wisconsin. This business district is home to a number of businesses, outdoor amenities and cool features unlike anywhere else in the Chippewa Valley. Located along the banks of the Eau Claire River, the park highlights the site's natural attributes as a primary draw to visitors and residents and offers something for everyone. River Prairie Center, located adjacent to River Prairie Park, is available for a variety of community events, from running races to car shows to concerts to food festivals.
What restaurants are located in River Prairie?
- Cowboy Jack's
- 44 North
- 44 Below
- Cabin Coffee
- Juanita's Mexican Restaurant
- Xavier Artisan
- Helix
Is River Prairie pet-friendly?
- Yes, River Prairie welcomes you and your pets! We understand that animals are an extension of the family. Remember your pets must be leashed and cleaned up after. Other regulations also apply, click here to view the ordinance. Staybridge Suites also welcomes pets in their hotel.
Are carry-ins allowed in River Prairie?
- Yes, fermented malt beverages and wine in River Prairie Park are only allowed in limited quantities. Persons are limited to 48 ounces (a total of 4 individual 12-ounce cans) of fermented malt beverages or 750 milliliters (25 ounces) of wine. Other regulations also apply, click here to view the ordinance.
Is smoking allowed in River Prairie?
- Yes, smoking is allowed in the outdoor areas of River Prairie.
How do I get to River Prairie?
- River Prairie is located right off HWY 53 near the Woodman's grocery store in Altoona, WI. Parking is free throughout the park as well as in designated business parking lots. On-street parking in River Prairie is back-in only. There is also public off-street parking that has standard pull-in parking stalls. Please pay attention to the signage within the park that indicates parking regulations.